The door creaked open, revealing Lady Ariel standing in the dim light of the hallway. Her eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight of Argus, his face drawn and weary, his clothes stained with saltwater and soot.
-Argus! What happened to you?
-Lady Ariel, Argus said. Before he could finish his sentence, tears began to flow from his eyes again. His fatigue and sorrow were evident in his eyes. Lady Ariel immediately welcomed Argus into her home. After bandaging Argus's wounds, she gave him some hot soup and asked again what had happened on the ship.
-I'm the only survivor.
-...
-While our ship was being bombed by one of The Central Authority's warships, the captain was trying to secure the safety of the other people on board, disregarding his own life. Maybe he couldn't change the outcome, but his composure and actions at that moment were the sole reason I am alive. The captain, while trying to rescue the people on board, sent me to Etris by putting me on perhaps the last boat left on the ship. I... I feel very guilty.
Ariel couldn't hold back her tears. The grief was tearing her apart, but her husband's bravery even in his last moments was somewhat comforting. She was thinking about how to tell her children. The captain had two very young daughters. As Argus saw the state of Ariel and the children, he felt even more guilty.
-I must go.
-...
Ariel said nothing, and despite knowing that Argus had no one else, she allowed him to leave.
Argus left with a broken heart. Grief and hatred were waging war in his young body. He didn't know what to do. All he knew was that he couldn't leave the blood of those he owed his life to be on the ground. It was evening. Argus returned home. To a home where he would spend the rest of his life alone, not as warm as it used to be.
He couldn't sleep. The same images were spinning in his head. The screams on the ship, the last screams of the only people he had left.
These screams reminded him of the last screams of his parents before they died. He couldn't sleep the whole night. He knew he needed to do something. He had no food nor anything to keep him full.
When the sun rose once again, he heard a knock on his door. When he opened the door, there was a middle aged bearded man wearing a dark cloak with a sword in his belt. Looking at him with despair in his eyes.
-Are you Argus?
-Yes, why did you ask?
-My name is Indra. I am an old friend of Orlandeu…
-So, you heard about the incident?
-Yes… I am an elite warrior, working for Etrea. It would be a shame if I didn't hear about it. Though it is still a shame that I wasn't there to help any of you.
-...
-I also talked to Ariel. She told me about you and how you were the only survivor from that ship. She was devastated. She also told me something else. She told me about your desire for vengeance, Argus. She told me about your burning need to see justice served.
-You... you know about that?
-I do. And I understand it. I, too, have felt the weight of loss, the emptiness of a life forever changed by tragedy. But I also know the dangers of letting vengeance consume you, of losing yourself in the pursuit of retribution.
-Then you understand why I must do this…
-I do understand, Argus. And that is why I am here. I cannot seek vengeance myself, for I have a family to protect. But I can offer you my help, my guidance. Together, we can ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are brought to justice.
-You would help me?
-I would. But know this, Argus. Vengeance is a path fraught with danger. It can consume you, turn you into something you never wished to become. You must tread carefully, keep your heart pure, and remember the true purpose behind your actions.
-I will. I promise. I will avenge them, I can't say anything about losing myself… But my rage shall become my fuel in the fight against the ones who wronged me.
-Then let us begin. Together, we will bring the holy punishment to those who have wronged us.
Argus felt a surge of conflicting emotions wash over him. The offer of help from Indra, a seasoned warrior, stirred a sense of hope within him, a belief that justice was not beyond reach. Yet, beneath that hope lay a deep well of sorrow, a grief that threatened to consume him if he allowed it.
-Indra, I... I don't know how to thank you, Argus began, his voice thick with emotion. With your guidance, perhaps I can find a way to honor their memory.
Indra placed a comforting hand on Argus's shoulder, his gaze filled with understanding.
-You are not alone, Argus. Together, we will navigate this path, steering clear of the pitfalls that await us. But know this, the road ahead will not be easy. The Central Authority is a formidable foe, and they will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power.
-I understand, Argus replied, his resolve firm. I am prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead, as long as it means justice for the loved ones I lost.
With a nod of agreement, Indra turned to leave, his words lingering in the air.
-Then let us begin our journey, Argus. Let us embark on a quest for justice, a quest that will test our strength, our courage, and our convictions. And may we emerge victorious, not just for ourselves, but for all those who have suffered at the hands of tyranny.